Joshua Citarella. Coltan Panels and ‘a,b’ Channels, 2016. C-print on Dibond, archival pigment prints on adhesive satin, each (90×30 in.) Courtesy the artist.
DeKalb, IL – This fall the Northern Illinois University Art Museum presents Objectifying the Photograph, a group exhibition of contemporary artists broadening our definition of photography opening Tuesday, August 29 with a public reception September 21 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the NIU Art Museum galleries. The exhibition runs through October 20, 2017 with a series of public lectures, programs, and Get-on-the-Bus excursions related to the show.
The artists’ work addresses the materiality, substance and objecthood of photography—drawing attention to the production and alteration of images in our postmodern digital age. This exhibition is co-curated by NIU School of Art and Design Assistant Professors Jessica Labatte, Photography and Mike Rea, Sculpture and includes artists: Pamela Bannos, Alex Chitty, Joshua Citarella, Jeanne Dunning, Min Kim Park, Letha Wilson and Hyounsang Yoo.
Labatte and Rea commented, “Photography has gone through a radical reinvention in recent history as digital technologies compel artists to reevaluate our relationship to photographic images. Many artists are searching for new ways to relate images of the world, and in doing so have found connections between photography and other artistic media, most notably sculpture and performance. In these artworks, time, space, and object are conflated, critically reflecting the ever-shifting landscapes of reality.”
A catalogue with essay, “Objects of Vision,” by Gan Uyeda is available. Gan Uyeda is an independent curator and writer based in Los Angeles. He is currently Associate Director at Ghebaly Gallery and is a founding member of the curatorial collective Third Object. His writing has appeared in Frieze Magazine, ArtCritical, ArtSlant, and The Seen.
Support: Visiting Artists for this exhibition is co-sponsored by the Museum and the Design and Media Arts and Studio Arts divisions of the NIU School of Art and Design.
Also on view: VINTAGE CAMERAS: A Snapshot of Photographic Technology provides a glimpse into the history of photography through vintage cameras on loan from avid collectors and photographers and showcases a variety of camera styles, formats, developments, and technological innovations.
Associated Events and Educational Programs
More information about the NIU Art Museum exhibitions, events, and educational programming may be found online by visiting niu.edu/artmuseum/events.
Monday, August 28
Letha Wilson Objectifying the Photograph Visiting Artist Talk
5-6 p.m., VAB/JAH 102.
Thursday, September 21
Public Reception for Objectifying the Photograph
5 – 7:30 p.m., NIU Art Museum
Informal Gallery Talk: Curators Jessica Labatte and Mike Rea with Artists Pamela Bannos and Min Kim Park
6:15 p.m., NIU Art Museum Rotunda and North Galleries
Get-on-the-Bus Excursions
Thursday, September 7
The Photographer’s Curator and Paul Gauguin exhibitions at the AIC
Spend the day at the Art Institute of Chicago to view The Photographer’s Curator: Hugh Edwards and Paul Gauguin: Artist as Alchemist, before it closes September 10. RSVP by 9/4. $$ Departure 9:00 a.m. Expected Return 4:30 p.m.
Friday, November 10
Museum of Contemporary Photography Collection Tour and Gage Gallery at Roosevelt University
Private docent-guided tour of selections from the MoCP’s photograph collection, visit Roosevelt University’s Gage Gallery or the Spertus Institute’s current exhibition on your own. RSVP by 11/3. $$ Departure 8:15 a.m. Expected Return 5 p.m.
Tuesday, December 12
Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago/Catherine Edelman Gallery
Visit a contemporary group show of 14 women photographers and then talk with gallery owner Catherine Edelman about her gallery and the current show of contemporary photography. RSVP by 12/5. $$ Departure 9:30 a.m. Expected Return 5 p.m.
For questions, more information, or to reserve your Get-on-the-Bus seat please phone the NIU Art Museum at 815-753-1936. Programs are subject to additions and changes.
About the NIU Art Museum
Serving Campus and Community by Balancing Traditional and Contemporary Art to Explore the Connections Made Through Visual Culture.
Part of the College of Visual and Performing Arts‘ vibrant and active arts community on campus, the Northern Illinois University Art Museum is a resource for the NIU campus, local community and beyond. The NIU Art Museum is located on the first floor, west end of Altgeld Hall, on the corner of College Avenue and Castle Drives on the main campus of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL. Parking is available in the Carroll Avenue Visitor’s Pay Lot and metered spots in front of Altgeld Hall. Campus parking is free on weekends and after 5 p.m. weeknights.
The exhibitions and programs of the NIU Art Museum are sponsored in part by the Illinois Arts Council Agency; the Friends of the NIU Art Museum; and the Dean’s Circle of the College of Visual and Performing Arts.
Balancing Traditional and Contemporary Art
Altgeld Hall 116, First Floor, West End
1425 W. Lincoln Hwy., Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-753-1936
niu.edu/artmuseum
Gallery Hours
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Thursday Noon – 7 p.m.; Sunday Noon – 4 p.m.; and by appointment for group tours.
Exhibitions are free and open to the public.
Contact: Stuart W. Henn, Coordinator of Marketing and Education
Art Museum | College of Visual and Performing Arts
815-753-1936 | shenn1@niu.edu
www.niu.edu/artmuseum
